OPINION: No Good Reason to Lift Watering Restrictions

Now that we’re all good and trained in responsible residential irrigation management, the Bakersfield Water Board is set to consider dropping drought-prompted watering restrictions today. We urge the board not to do so. You might ask, Why not? We’ve got a nice, broad flow in the lower Kern River, to cite but one highly visible example of our current state of plenty.Because, to cite that same example, the status quo is a barren, dry river bed. The West is in a constant and ongoing state of drought, interrupted by relatively uncommon water surplus like the situation we’re enjoying now.